Article of apparel incorporating a modifiable textile structure

ABSTRACT

An article of apparel is disclosed that includes a textile with at least one property that changes upon exposure to a physical stimulus. The textile has a modifiable structure formed from one or more yarns that exhibit a dimensional transformation upon exposure to the physical stimulus. The yarns have a first set of dimensions when unexposed to the physical stimulus, and the yarns have a second set of dimensions when exposed to the physical stimulus. The structure of the textile is modified by exposing the textile to the physical stimulus such that the yarns transform from the first set of dimensions to the second set of dimensions and change the property of the textile. Reinforcing structures, incisions, partial incisions, and coatings may also be utilized to enhance the textile structures

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This non-provisional U.S. patent application is a continuation-in-partapplication of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/805,681, which was filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office onMar. 19, 2004 and entitled Article Of Apparel Incorporating A ModifiableTextile Structure, such prior U.S. patent application being entirelyincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to apparel. The invention concerns, moreparticularly, an article of apparel that incorporates a textile with astructure that changes or is otherwise modified by a physical stimulus,such as the presence of water or a temperature change, to modify aproperty of the textile. The invention has application, for example, toarticles of apparel intended for use during athletic activities.

2. Description of Background Art

Articles of apparel designed for use during athletic activitiesgenerally exhibit characteristics that enhance the performance orcomfort of an individual. For example, apparel may incorporate anelastic textile that provides a relatively tight fit, thereby impartingthe individual with a lower profile that minimizes wind resistance.Apparel may also be formed from a textile that wicks moisture away fromthe individual in order to reduce the quantity of perspiration thataccumulates adjacent to the skin. Furthermore, apparel may incorporatematerials that are specifically selected for particular environmentalconditions. Examples of various types of articles of apparel includeshirts, headwear, coats, jackets, pants, underwear, gloves, socks, andfootwear.

The characteristics of the textiles that are incorporated into apparelare generally selected based upon the specific activity for which theapparel is intended to be used. A textile that minimizes windresistance, for example, may be suitable for activities where speed is aprimary concern. Similarly, a textile that reduces the quantity ofperspiration that accumulates adjacent to the skin may be mostappropriate for athletic activities commonly associated with arelatively high degree of exertion. Accordingly, textiles may beselected to enhance the performance or comfort of individuals engaged inspecific athletic activities.

Textiles may be defined as any manufacture from fibers, filaments, oryarns characterized by flexibility, fineness, and a high ratio of lengthto thickness. Textiles generally fall into two categories. The firstcategory includes textiles produced directly from webs of fibers orfilaments by bonding, fusing, or interlocking to construct non-wovenfabrics and felts. The second category includes textiles formed througha mechanical manipulation of yarn, thereby producing a woven fabric.

Yarn is the raw material utilized to form textiles in the secondcategory and may be defined as an assembly having a substantial lengthand relatively small cross-section that is formed from at least onefilament or a plurality of fibers. Fibers have a relatively short lengthand require spinning or twisting processes to produce a yarn of suitablelength for use in textiles. Common examples of fibers are cotton andwool. Filaments, however, have an indefinite length and may merely becombined with other filaments to produce a yarn suitable for use intextiles. Modern filaments include a plurality of synthetic materialssuch as rayon, nylon, polyester, and polyacrylic, with silk being theprimary, naturally-occurring exception. Yarn may be formed from a singlefilament or a plurality of individual filaments grouped together. Yarnmay also include separate filaments formed from different materials, orthe yarn may include filaments that are each formed from two or moredifferent materials. Similar concepts also apply to yarns formed fromfibers. Accordingly, yarns may have a variety of configurations thatgenerally conform to the definition provided above.

The various techniques for mechanically-manipulating yarn into a textileinclude interweaving, intertwining and twisting, and interlooping.Interweaving is the intersection of two yarns that cross and interweaveat substantially right angles to each other. The yarns utilized ininterweaving are conventionally referred to as warp and weft.Intertwining and twisting encompasses procedures such as braiding andknotting where yarns intertwine with each other to form a textile.Interlooping involves the formation of a plurality of columns ofintermeshed loops, with knitting being the most common method ofinterlooping.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an article of apparel that includes a textilewith at least one property that changes upon exposure to a physicalstimulus. The textile has a modifiable structure formed from yarns thatexhibit a dimensional transformation upon exposure to the physicalstimulus. The yarns have a first set of dimensions when unexposed to thephysical stimulus, and the yarns have a second set of dimensions whenexposed to the physical stimulus. The structure of the textile ismodified by exposing the textile to the physical stimulus such that theyarns transform from the first set of dimensions to the second set ofdimensions and change the property of the textile. The yarns may beformed from a material that exhibits the dimensional transformation uponexposure to water. Accordingly, the physical stimulus may be water. Insome embodiments, the physical stimulus may also be a change intemperature of the textile, light, or moving air, for example.

The textile may be formed through an interweaving process wherein theyarns define openings in the textile. The openings exhibit a first areawhen the yarns are unexposed to the physical stimulus, and the openingsexhibit a second area when the yarns are exposed to the physicalstimulus. The area of the openings may determine, for example thepermeability of the textile. Accordingly, when the first area is greaterthan the second area, the permeability of the textile is decreased uponexposure to the physical stimulus. Furthermore, when the first area isless than the second area, the permeability of the textile is increasedupon exposure to the physical stimulus. In some embodiments, the yarnsmay exhibit an undulating configuration to increase the permeabilityupon exposure to the physical stimulus.

A substantial portion of the textile may be formed from the yarn.Alternately, a first portion of the yarns may exhibit the dimensionaltransformation upon exposure to the physical stimulus, and a secondportion of the yarns may remain dimensionally-stable upon exposure tothe physical stimulus.

The textile may also be formed through an interlooping process. In someembodiments, the yarns define openings in the textile. The openings mayexhibit a first area when the yarns are unexposed to the physicalstimulus, and the openings may exhibit a second area when the yarns areexposed to the physical stimulus, thereby affecting the permeability ofthe textile. In other embodiments, the structure of the textile mayexhibit a first texture when the yarns are unexposed to the physicalstimulus, and the structure of the textile may exhibit a second texturewhen the yarns are exposed to the physical stimulus. The first texturemay be, for example, smoother than the second texture, and the secondtexture may include a plurality of nodes that extend outward from asurface of the textile.

The textiles formed in accordance with the present invention exhibit astructure that is modified by a physical stimulus in order to change theproperties of the textile. These or other textile structures may bealtered by, for example, bonding materials to a textile structure inorder to impart stretch resistance, forming incisions or partialincisions in the textile structure, or applying coatings to blockeffects of the physical stimulus.

The advantages and features of novelty characterizing the presentinvention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. Togain an improved understanding of the advantages and features ofnovelty, however, reference may be made to the following descriptivematter and accompanying drawings that describe and illustrate variousembodiments and concepts related to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing Summary of the Invention, as well as the followingDetailed Description of the Invention, will be better understood whenread in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an article of apparel incorporating a firsttextile structure in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a portion of the first textile structure in anunexposed state.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the portion of the first textile structure inan exposed state.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a portion of a second textile structure in anunexposed state.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the portion of the second textile structure inan exposed state.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a portion of a third textile structure in anunexposed state.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the portion of the third textile structure inan exposed state.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a portion of a fourth textile structure in anunexposed state.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the portion of the fourth textile structure inan exposed state.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a portion of a fifth textile structure in anunexposed state.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the portion of the fifth textile structure inan exposed state.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a portion of a sixth textile structure in anunexposed state.

FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of a larger portion of the sixthtextile structure in the unexposed state.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the portion of the sixth textile structure inan exposed state.

FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of the larger portion of the sixthtextile structure in the exposed state.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of a seventh textilestructure.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a portion of an eighth textilestructure.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a portion of a ninth textile structure.

FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of a coated yarn from the ninthtextile structure in an unexposed state.

FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view of the coated yarn from theninth textile structure in an exposed state.

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of an article of footwearincorporating a first altered textile structure in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a portion of the first altered textilestructure.

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the first altered textilestructure.

FIGS. 24A-24E are plan views of alternate configurations of the firstaltered textile structure.

FIG. 25 is a plan view of an article of apparel incorporating a secondaltered textile structure in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a portion of the second altered textilestructure in an unexposed state.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the portion of the second alteredtextile structure in an exposed state.

FIGS. 28A-28E are plan views of alternate configurations of the secondaltered textile structure.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a portion of a third altered textilestructure in an unexposed state.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the portion of the third alteredtextile structure in an exposed state.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a portion of a fourth altered textilestructure.

FIGS. 32A-32C are schematic cross-sectional views of the fourth alteredtextile structure, as defined along section line 32-32 in FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a plan view of a portion of a fifth altered textilestructure.

FIG. 34 is a schematic perspective view of a coated yarn and an uncoatedyarn, each being in an unexposed state, from the fifth altered textilestructure.

FIG. 35 is a schematic perspective view of the coated yarn and theuncoated yarn, each being in an exposed state, from the fifth alteredtextile structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following material discloses a variety of textiles with structuresthat are modified by a physical stimulus in order to change theproperties of the textiles or articles of apparel that incorporates thetextiles. Following the discussion of a plurality of exemplar textilestructures, various modes in which these or other textile structures maybe altered to enhance or otherwise change the overall properties of thetextile structures will be discussed.

I. Exemplar Textile Structures

An article of apparel 10 is depicted in FIG. 1 as having the generalconfiguration of a conventional short-sleeved shirt. One skilled in therelevant art will recognize, however, that the various textilesdisclosed in the following material may be incorporated into articles ofapparel exhibiting a variety of configurations, including long-sleevedshirts, headwear, coats, jackets, pants, underwear, gloves, socks, andfootwear, for example. Accordingly, the various concepts disclosed inthe following discussion and accompanying figures with respect toapparel 10 may be utilized in connection with a variety of apparelconfigurations.

The primary elements of apparel 10 include a torso portion 11 and twoarm portions 12 a and 12 b. Torso portion 11 corresponds with a torso ofan individual and, therefore, covers the torso when worn. Similarly, armportions 12 a and 12 b respectively correspond with a right arm and aleft arm of the individual and cover the arms when worn. Apparel 10exhibits, therefore, the general configuration of a conventionallong-sleeved shirt. In contrast with the conventional long-sleevedshirt, however, apparel 10 is at least partially formed from a textilewith a structure that is modified by a physical stimulus, therebychanging properties of the textile. For example, the permeability ortexture of the textiles may change when exposed to water, increasedtemperature, or moving air (i.e., wind). Accordingly, the structures ofthe textiles may be modified in order to provide apparel 10 withdifferent properties. The following material discloses a variety oftextiles with a structure that is modified by a physical stimulus inorder to change the properties of the textile or apparel 10.

First Textile Structure

A portion of a textile 20 that is suitable for apparel 10 is disclosedin FIGS. 2 and 3. Textile 20 has the structure of an interwoven materialthat includes a plurality of weft yarns 21 and a plurality of warp yarns22. Textile 20 may be formed, therefore, by mechanically-manipulatingyarns 21 and 22 thorough an interweaving process, which involvescrossing and interweaving yarns 21 and 22 at substantially right anglesto each other. The process of crossing and interweaving yarns 21 and 22at substantially right angles to each other forms a plurality ofdiscrete openings 23 that are located between the various yarns 21 and22.

Each of yarns 21 and 22 are formed from one or more filaments or fibersthat experience a dimensional transformation when exposed to a specificphysical stimulus. In other words, the dimensions (i.e., length andthickness, for example) of yarns 21 and 22 change when textile 20 is inthe presence of the physical stimulus. The dimensional transformation ofyarns 21 and 22 has an effect upon the structure of textile 20. Moreparticularly, the dimensional transformation of yarns 21 and 22 modifiesthe structure of textile 20, thereby changing the properties of textile20. Accordingly, exposing textile 20 to the physical stimulus has theeffect of changing the properties of textile 20, thereby changing theproperties of apparel 10.

The manner in which exposing textile 20 to a physical stimulus has aneffect upon the properties of textile 20 will now be discussed. Withreference to FIG. 2, textile 20 is depicted in an unexposed state, inwhich yarns 21 and 22 are not exposed to the physical stimulus. Withreference to FIG. 3, however, textile 20 is depicted in an exposedstate, in which yarns 21 and 22 are exposed to the physical stimulus. Inthe unexposed state, yarns 21 and 22 exhibit dimensions with arelatively narrow thickness such that the area of each opening 23 isrelatively large. In the exposed state, however, yarns 21 and 22 exhibita greater thickness, which decreases the area of each opening 23. Thatis, exposing yarns 21 and 22 to the physical stimulus causes yarns 21and 22 to increase in thickness, which decreases the area of eachopening 23 and modifies the structure of textile 20.

The modification in the structure of textile 20 (i.e., decreasing thearea of openings 23) changes the properties of textile 20. In theunexposed state, each opening 23 is relatively large. In the exposedstate, however, the area of each opening 23 is decreased, whichdecreases the overall permeability of textile 20 to water, light, andmoving air, for example. That is, the smaller area of each opening 23 inthe exposed state decreases the ease with which water, light, and movingair may penetrate or otherwise extend through textile 20. Accordingly,exposing textile 20 to a physical stimulus changes the permeabilityproperties of textile 20, thereby changing the permeability propertiesof apparel 10.

Various physical stimuli may induce a dimensional transformation ofyarns 21 and 22, including the presence of water (whether in a liquid orgaseous state), increased temperature, or moving air, for example. Withregard to water, many materials exhibit a tendency to absorb water andswell or otherwise transform dimensionally. The dimensionaltransformation may occur relatively rapidly due to immersion or contactwith liquid water. In addition, the dimensional transformation may occurrelatively slowly due to a prolonged exposure to air with a relativehumidity that is greater than 75 percent, for example. Textile 20, andparticularly yarns 21 and 22, may be formed from one or more of thesematerials that exhibit a tendency to transform dimensionally in thepresence of a physical stimulus such as water. Furthermore, yarns 21 and22 may be formed from materials that transform dimensionally due totemperature increases or moving air.

Yarns 21 and 22, as discussed above, may be formed from a variety ofmaterials that transform dimensionally in the presence of water. Forexample, at least a portion of the filaments or fibers in yarns 21 and22 may be formed of a moisture-absorptive polyester material, such asthe various moisture-absorptive polyester materials manufactured byTejin Fibers Limited of Japan. In some embodiments, yarns 21 and 22 maybe a 75 denier, 72 filament semi-dull textured polyester yarn, andsuitable formulations for the fiber or filament contents of yarns 21 and22 include: (i) 70 percent generally non-absorptive polyester and 30percent moisture-absorptive polyester; (ii) 76 percent generallynon-absorptive polyester and 24 percent moisture-absorptive polyester;(iii) 80 percent generally non-absorptive polyester and 20 percentmoisture-absorptive polyester; or (iv) 84 percent cationic-dyeablepolyester that is also generally non-absorptive and 16 percentmoisture-absorptive polyester. Accordingly, the percentage of the fibersor filaments formed from moisture-absorptive polyester may varyconsiderably within the scope of the present invention, and may alsorange from 5 percent to 100 percent in some embodiments. In each of theexamples above, a non-absorptive or otherwise dimensionally-stablepolyester fibers or filaments are combined with a moisture-absorptivepolyester fibers or filaments. Other non-absorptive polymer fibers orfilaments may also be utilized, such as rayon, nylon, and polyacrylic.In addition, silk, cotton, or wool may be utilized in yarns 21 and 22.Accordingly, a wide range of materials are suitable for the variousyarns 21 and 22.

When incorporated into article of apparel 10, textile 20 may be utilizedto protect or otherwise insulate the individual from specificenvironmental conditions. As discussed above, one physical stimulus thatinduces a dimensional transformation in yarns 21 and 22 is water, suchas rain. When rain or another source of water (i.e., the physicalstimulus) is not present, textile 20 is in the unexposed state andexhibits a relatively high permeability that permits air to freely enterand exit apparel 10, thereby cooling the individual. When significantquantities of water contact apparel 10, thereby placing textile 20 inthe exposed state, textile 20 exhibits a relatively low permeabilitythat inhibits the movement of water through textile 20. Morespecifically, water in the form of rain that contacts apparel 10 willcause openings 23 to decrease in area and limit the quantity of waterthat enters apparel 10. When yarns 21 and 22 are formed from a materialthat transforms dimensionally in the presence of heat, sunlight or otherheat sources induce openings 23 to decrease in area and limit thequantity of solar radiation that enters apparel 10. In addition, movingair in the form of wind may induce openings 23 to decrease in area tolimit the quantity of air that passes through apparel 10. Accordingly,forming textile 20 from yarns 21 and 22 that transform dimensionally inthe presence of one or more physical stimuli may be utilized toeffectively insulate the individual from specific environmentalconditions, such as rain, sunlight, or wind.

Based upon the above discussion, textile 20 may be formed from variousyarns 21 and 22 that transform dimensionally in the presence of aphysical stimulus. The dimensional transformation of yarns 21 and 22modify the structure of textile 20, thereby inducing a change in theproperties of textile 20. When incorporated into apparel 10, the changein the properties of textile 20 when exposed to the physical stimulusmay be utilized to insulate the individual from specific environmentalconditions, such as rain, sunlight, or wind. Accordingly, textile 20effectively adapts to changing environmental conditions in order toenhance the comfort of the individual wearing apparel 10.

Second Textile Structure

With respect to textile 20, both of yarns 21 and 22 are at leastpartially formed from materials that transform dimensionally in thepresence of a physical stimulus. In some embodiments, however, variousyarns may be entirely formed from a material that does notdimensionally-transform to a significant degree in the presence of aphysical stimulus. That is, some of the yarns forming the textile ofapparel 10 may be formed from a dimensionally-stable yarn that is notsignificantly affected by the physical stimulus.

A textile 30 is depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5 that includes a plurality ofweft yarns 31 a, a plurality of other weft yarns 31 b, a plurality ofwarp yarns 32 a, and a plurality of other warp yarns 32 b that definevarious openings 33. Whereas yarns 31 a and 32 a are formed from amaterial that dimensionally-transforms in the presence of a physicalstimulus, yarns 31 b and 32 b are formed from a dimensionally-stableyarn that is not significantly affected by the physical stimulus.

The manner in which exposing textile 30 to a physical stimulus has aneffect upon the properties of textile 30 will now be discussed. Withreference to FIG. 4, textile 30 is depicted in an unexposed state, inwhich yarns 31 a, 31 b, 32 a, and 32 b are not exposed to the physicalstimulus. With reference to FIG. 5, however, textile 30 is depicted inan exposed state, in which yarns 31 a, 31 b, 32 a, and 32 b are exposedto the physical stimulus. In the unexposed state, each of yarns 31 a, 31b, 32 a, and 32 b exhibit dimensions with a relatively narrow thicknesssuch that the area of each opening 33 is relatively large. In theexposed state, however, yarns 31 a and 32 a exhibit a greater thickness,which decreases the area of each opening 33. That is, exposing yarns 31a and 32 a to the physical stimulus causes yarns 31 a and 32 a toincrease in thickness, which decreases the area of each opening 33 andmodifies the structure of textile 30. As discussed above, yarns 31 b and32 b are formed from a dimensionally-stable yarn that is notsignificantly affected by the physical stimulus. Accordingly, 31 b and32 b do not transform dimensionally when exposed to the physicalstimulus.

The modification in the structure of textile 30 (i.e., decreasing thearea of openings 33) changes the properties of textile 30. In theunexposed state, each opening 33 is relatively large. In the exposedstate, however, the area of each opening 33 is decreased, whichdecreases the overall permeability of textile 30 to water, light, andmoving air, for example. That is, the smaller area of each opening 33 inthe exposed state decreases the ease with which water, light, and movingair may penetrate through textile 30. Accordingly, exposing textile 30to a physical stimulus changes the permeability properties of textile30. Given that textile 30 may replace textile 20 in apparel 10, exposingtextile 30 to a physical stimulus may be utilized to effectively changethe permeability properties of apparel 10.

An advantage of forming yarns 31 b and 32 b from a dimensionally-stableyarn that is not significantly affected by the physical stimulus relatesto the dimensional stability of textile 30. Yarns 31 b and 32 b form aweb in textile 30 that does not significantly change dimensions whenexposed to the physical stimulus. Whereas yarns 31 a and 32 a transformdimensionally, yarns 31 b and 32 b remain dimensionally-stable (i.e., intheir original dimensions). Accordingly, yarns 31 b and 32 b may beutilized to ensure that the shape and dimensions of textile 30 areretained, despite the dimensional transformation of yarns 31 a and 32 a.

Third Textile Structure

Another potential configuration for the textile that forms at least aportion of apparel 10 is disclosed in FIGS. 6 and 7, in which aplurality of weft yarns 41 and a plurality of warp yarns 42 definevarious openings 43. Whereas weft yarns 41 are formed from a materialthat dimensionally-transforms in the presence of a physical stimulus,warp yarns 42 are formed from a dimensionally-stable yarn that is notsignificantly affected by the physical stimulus. Accordingly, weft yarns41 do not substantially change dimensions when exposed to the physicalstimulus.

Exposing textile 40 to a physical stimulus modifies the structure oftextile 40, which has an effect upon the properties of textile 40. Withreference to FIG. 6, textile 40 is depicted in an unexposed state, inwhich yarns 41 and 42 are not exposed to the physical stimulus. Withreference to FIG. 7, however, textile 40 is depicted in an exposedstate, in which yarns 41 and 42 are exposed to the physical stimulus. Aswith textiles 20 and 30, exposing yarns 41 and 42 to the physicalstimulus causes yarns 41 to increase in thickness, which decreases thearea of each opening 43 and modifies the structure of textile 40. Themodification in the structure of textile 40 (i.e., decreasing the areaof openings 43) changes the properties of textile 40. In the unexposedstate, each opening 33 is relatively large. In the exposed state,however, the area of each opening 33 is decreased, which decreases theoverall permeability of textile 30 to water, light, and moving air, forexample. Given that textile 40 may replace textile 20 in apparel 10,exposing textile 40 to a physical stimulus may be utilized toeffectively change the permeability properties of apparel 10. As withtextile 30, forming warp yarns 42 from a dimensionally-stable yarn thatis not significantly affected by the physical stimulus ensures that theshape and dimensions of textile 40 are retained, despite the dimensionaltransformation of weft yarns 41.

Fourth Textile Structure

The configurations of textiles 20, 30, and 40 may be utilized to protector otherwise insulate the individual from specific environmentalconditions. As discussed above, the dimensional transformation ofvarious yarns induces the openings between the yarns to decrease inarea. The decrease in area decreases the permeability of textiles 20,30, and 40, thereby permitting less rain, sunlight, or wind to enterapparel 10. It may be desirable in some situations, however, to increasethe permeability of the textile forming apparel 10. For example,increasing the permeability may be utilized to increase air flow throughthe textile forming apparel 10, thereby enhancing the removal ofperspiration from the individual.

A textile 50 with the structure of an interwoven material that includesa plurality of weft yarns 51, a plurality of warp yarns 52 a, and aplurality of warp yarns 52 b is depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9. Textile 50may be formed, therefore, by mechanically-manipulating yarns 51, 52 a,and 52 b thorough an interweaving process, which involves crossing andinterweaving weft yarns 51 at substantially right angles to yarns 52 aand 52 b. The process of crossing and interweaving weft yarns 51 atsubstantially right angles to yarns 52 a and 52 b forms a plurality ofdiscrete openings 53.

Whereas yarns 52 a are formed from a material thatdimensionally-transforms in the presence of a physical stimulus, yarns51 and 52 b are formed from a dimensionally-stable yarn that is notsignificantly affected by the physical stimulus. In addition, warp yarns52 a exhibit an undulating or otherwise wavy configuration, whereasyarns 51 and 52 b are relatively straight.

The manner in which exposing textile 50 to a physical stimulus has aneffect upon the properties of textile 50 will now be discussed. Withreference to FIG. 8, textile 50 is depicted in an unexposed state, inwhich yarns 51, 52 a, and 52 b are not exposed to the physical stimulus.With reference to FIG. 9, however, textile 50 is depicted in an exposedstate, in which yarns 51, 52 a, and 52 b are exposed to the physicalstimulus. In the unexposed state, yarns 51, 52 a, and 52 b exhibitdimensions with a relatively narrow thickness such that the area of eachopening 53 is relatively small. In the exposed state, however, warpyarns 52 a exhibit a greater thickness and a greater degree ofundulation, which increases the area of each opening 53. That is,exposing yarns 51, 52 a, and 52 b to the physical stimulus causes warpyarns 52 a to increase in thickness and degree of undulation, whichincreases the area of each opening 53 and modifies the structure oftextile 50.

The modification in the structure of textile 50 (i.e., increasing thearea of openings 53) changes the properties of textile 50. In theunexposed state, each opening 53 is relatively small. In the exposedstate, however, the area of each opening 53 is increased, whichincreases the overall permeability of textile 50 to water, light, andmoving air, for example. That is, the greater area of each opening 53 inthe exposed state increases the ease with which water, light, and movingair may penetrate through textile 50. Accordingly, exposing textile 50to a physical stimulus increases the permeability properties of textile50, thereby increasing the permeability properties of apparel 10.

When incorporated into article of apparel 10, textile 50 may be utilizedto cool the individual and remove perspiration from the individual, forexample. Based upon the above discussion, therefore, textile 50 may beformed from various warp yarns 52 a that transform dimensionally and indegree of undulation in the presence of a physical stimulus. Thedimensional transformation of warp yarns 52 a modifies the structure oftextile 50, thereby inducing a change in the properties of textile 50.When incorporated into apparel 10, the change in the properties oftextile 50 when exposed to the physical stimulus may be utilized to coolthe individual and remove perspiration from the individual. Accordingly,textile 50 effectively adapts to changing perspiration levels of theindividual in order to enhance the comfort of the individual wearingapparel 10.

Fifth Textile Structure

Each of textiles 20, 30, 40, and 50 are formed thorough an interweavingprocess, which involves crossing and interweaving weft yarns and warpyarns at substantially right angles to each other. A textile that adaptsto changing perspiration levels of the individual, for example, in orderto enhance the comfort of the individual may also be formed throughother methods of mechanically-manipulating yarns. Referring to FIGS. 10and 11, a textile 60 that is formed through an interlooping process isdisclosed. Interlooping involves the formation of a plurality of columnsof intermeshed loops, with knitting being the most common method ofinterlooping. Textile 60 includes a plurality of courses (i.e., a row ofneedle loops produced by adjacent needles during the knitting cycle) anda plurality of wales (i.e., a column of intermeshed needle loopsgenerally produced by the same needle the knits at successive knittingcycles) that are formed from a yarn 61.

Yarn 61 is formed from a material that dimensionally-transforms in thepresence of a physical stimulus. More particularly, the dimensions ofyarn 61 (i.e., length and thickness, for example) may increase in thepresence of the physical stimulus. When exposed to a physical stimulus,yarn 61 dimensionally-transforms in both length and thickness. Althoughan increase thickness would appear to decrease the area of each opening62, the associated increase in length separates the various portions ofyarn 61 to a greater degree and actually increases the area of eachopening 63. That is, the increase in thickness has a greater effect uponthe area of openings 63 than the increase in thickness, therebyincreasing the overall area of each opening 63. When exposed to thephysical stimulus, therefore, the permeability of textile 60 mayincrease.

The manner in which exposing textile 60 to a physical stimulus has aneffect upon the properties of textile 60 will now be discussed ingreater detail. With reference to FIG. 10, textile 60 is depicted in anunexposed state, in which yarn 61 is not exposed to the physicalstimulus. With reference to FIG. 11, however, textile 60 is depicted inan exposed state, in which yarn 61 is exposed to the physical stimulus.In the unexposed state, the area of each opening 63 is relatively small.In the exposed state, however, yarn 61 exhibits a greater thickness anda greater length. As discussed above, the increase in length dominatesthe increase in thickness in order to increase the overall area of eachopening 63. That is, exposing yarn 60 to the physical stimulus causesyarn 60 to increase in length, which increases the area of each opening63 and modifies the structure of textile 60.

The modification in the structure of textile 60 (i.e., increasing thearea of openings 63) changes the properties of textile 60. In theunexposed state, each opening 63 is relatively small. In the exposedstate, however, the area of each opening 63 is increased, whichincreases the overall permeability of textile 60 to water, light, andmoving air, for example. That is, the greater area of each opening 63 inthe exposed state increases the ease with which water, light, and movingair may penetrate through textile 60. Accordingly, exposing textile 60to a physical stimulus increases the permeability properties of textile60, thereby increasing the permeability properties of apparel 10.

When incorporated into article of apparel 10, textile 60 may be utilizedto cool the individual and remove perspiration from the individual, forexample. Based upon the above discussion, therefore, textile 60 may beformed from yarn 61, which transforms dimensionally and in degree ofundulation in the presence of a physical stimulus. The dimensionaltransformation of yarn 61 modifies the structure of textile 60, therebyinducing a change in the properties of textile 60. When incorporatedinto apparel 10, the change in the properties of textile 60 when exposedto the physical stimulus may be utilized to cool the individual andremove perspiration from the individual. Accordingly, textile 60effectively adapts to changing perspiration levels of the individual inorder to enhance the comfort of the individual wearing apparel 10.

Sixth Textile Structure

Increasing or decreasing the area of openings between the various yarnsthat form a textile is one manner in which the structure of the textilemay be modified in order to change the properties (i.e., permeability)of the textile. In some embodiments, the texture of the textile may alsobe modified in order to change the properties of the textile. Referringto FIGS. 12-15, a textile 70 is disclosed. Textile 70 is formed from ayarn 71 and a yarn 72 through an interlooping process. As will bedescribed in greater detail below, the texture of textile 70 changesfrom being relatively smooth to having a plurality of nodes 73 that forma separation between the individual and textile 70. Nodes 73 effectivelyhold textile 70 away from the individual and permit air to flow betweentextile 70 and the individual, thereby increasing removal ofperspiration. In order to form textile 70, yarns 71 and 72 aremechanically-manipulated through a circular knitting process to formtextile 70 with a jersey knit or double knit pique structure, forexample. In some embodiments, three or more yarns may be utilized toform textile 70, and a variety of other knit structures in addition tothe jersey knit and double knit pique structure may be utilized.

Whereas yarn 71 is formed from a material that dimensionally-transformsin the presence of a physical stimulus, yarn 72 is formed from adimensionally-stable yarn that is not significantly affected by thephysical stimulus. Accordingly, yarn 71 substantially changes dimensionswhen exposed to the physical stimulus. Yarn 71 extends through thestructure formed by yarn 72 and is primarily positioned on one side oftextile 70. That is, the position of yarn 71 is concentrated on one sideof textile 70. When exposed to the physical stimulus, yarn 71 transformsdimensionally, whereas yarn 72 remains dimensionally-stable. Thedimensions of yarn 71 increase when exposed to the physical stimulus andform a plurality of nodes 73 on one side of textile 70. That is, theconcentrated areas of yarn 71 expand when exposed to the physicalstimulus and form nodes 73.

With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, textile 70 is depicted in anunexposed state, in which yarns 71 and 72 are not exposed to thephysical stimulus. With reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, however, textile70 is depicted in an exposed state, in which yarns 71 and 72 are exposedto the physical stimulus. In the unexposed state, textile 70 exhibits arelatively smooth texture. In the exposed state, however, textile 70exhibits greater texture due to the presence of the plurality of nodes73. That is, exposing yarn 71 to the physical stimulus forms nodes 73 onone side of textile 70 and causes textile 70 to increase in texture,which modifies the structure of textile 70.

The modification in the structure of textile 70 changes the propertiesof textile 70. In the unexposed state, textile 70 is relatively smoothand significantly contacts the individual. In the exposed state,however, the texture of textile 70 is increased through the formation ofnodes 73, which forms a separation between the individual and textile70. That is, nodes 73 effectively hold textile 70 away from theindividual and permit air to flow between textile 70 and the individual,thereby increasing the rate at which perspiration is removed. Exposingtextile 70 to a physical stimulus increases the texture of textile 70,thereby increasing the texture properties of apparel 10. Accordingly,textile 70 effectively adapts to changing perspiration levels of theindividual in order to enhance the comfort of the individual wearingapparel 10.

Seventh Textile Structure

Textiles generally fall into two categories, as discussed above in theBackground of the Invention section. The first category includestextiles produced directly from webs of fibers or filaments by bonding,fusing, or interlocking to construct non-woven fabrics and felts. Thesecond category includes textiles formed through a mechanicalmanipulation of yarn. Textiles, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 are eachformed through the mechanical manipulation of yarn and fall, therefore,within the second category. Concepts related to the present inventionalso apply, however, to non-woven textiles.

With reference to FIG. 16, a textile 80 having the configuration of anon-woven textile is disclosed an includes a plurality of filaments 81and a plurality of filaments 82. Non-woven textiles are generallymanufactured by depositing one or more layers of polymer filaments upona moving conveyor, thereby forming the non-woven textile to have agenerally uniform thickness. Textile 80 includes two layers, one beingformed from a plurality of filaments 81, and the other being formed froma plurality of filaments 82.

Whereas filaments 81 are formed from a material thatdimensionally-transforms in the presence of a physical stimulus,filaments 82 are formed from a dimensionally-stable material that is notsignificantly affected by the physical stimulus. Accordingly, filaments81 substantially change dimensions when exposed to the physicalstimulus. Filaments 81 form one of the layers of textile 80 and areprimarily positioned on one side of textile 80. That is, the position offilaments 81 is concentrated on one side of textile 80. When exposed tothe physical stimulus, filaments 81 transform dimensionally, whereasfilaments 82 remain dimensionally-stable. As with textile 70, which alsohas concentrations of different yarns on different sides, the dimensionsof filaments 81 increase when exposed to the physical stimulus and mayform a plurality of nodes on one side of textile 80. That is, theconcentrated areas of filaments 81 expand when exposed to the physicalstimulus and may form nodes that are similar to nodes 73.

Textile 80 is depicted as having two non-woven layers formed fromfilaments 81 and filaments 82. In some embodiments of the invention, thelayer formed from filaments 82 may be replaced with a textile formedthrough mechanical manipulation of a yarn. That is, the layer formedfrom filaments 82 may be formed from a textile in the second categorydiscussed above. When formed to exhibit this structure, the layer offilaments 81 may be bonded or stitched to the other textile layer, forexample. In other embodiments, the layer formed from filaments 81 may bereplaced with textile 60 or any of the other textiles disclosed above,for example. Furthermore, a textile may be formed that solely includes alayer of filaments 81. In yet further embodiments, a textile may exhibita configuration wherein filaments 81 and 82 are distributed homogenouslythroughout the thickness of the textile. Accordingly, a variety ofnon-woven textile structures may be formed from filaments that transformdimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus.

Eighth Textile Structure

Each of textiles 70 and 80 exhibit a configuration wherein thedimensionally-stable materials (i.e., yarn 72 and filaments 82) areconcentrated adjacent to one surface, and the materials that transformdimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus (i.e., yarn 71 andfilaments 81) are concentrated adjacent an opposite surface. Anothermanner in which this general configuration may be achieved is disclosedin FIG. 17, wherein a textile 90 includes a yarn 91 that is plaited inone surface of a spacer mesh material. More particularly, the spacermesh material includes a first layer 92 and a second layer 93 that arespaced apart and connected by a plurality of connecting yarns 94. Yarn91, which transforms dimensionally in the presence of a physicalstimulus, is woven or otherwise plaited into first layer 92. Whereasyarn 91 is formed of a material that transforms dimensionally in thepresence of a physical stimulus, each of first layer 92, second layer93, and connecting yarns 94 may be formed from a dimensionally-stablematerial.

In manufacturing textile 90, a double needle bar Raschel knittingprocess may be utilized to form first layer 92, second layer 93, andconnecting yarns 94 from the dimensionally-stable material. Yarn 91 isthen plaited or otherwise incorporated into first layer 92. In furtherembodiments of the invention, all of first layer 92 may be formed from amaterial that transforms dimensionally in the presence of a physicalstimulus. Alternately, first layer 92, second layer 93, and connectingyarns 94 may be formed from a material that transforms dimensionally inthe presence of a physical stimulus, and yarn 91 may be formed from adimensionally-stable material. Accordingly, a variety of configurationsmay be utilized in connection with a spacer mesh material to provide aconfiguration wherein the dimensionally-stable materials areconcentrated adjacent to one surface, and the materials that transformdimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus are concentratedadjacent to an opposite surface. In some embodiments, however, all or asubstantially portion of a spacer mesh material may be formed from adimensionally-stable material.

Ninth Textile Structure

In the various textile structures discussed above, a fiber, filament, oryarn incorporated into a textile has a configuration that transformsdimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus. Coatings on thefibers, filaments, or yarns may also be utilized as the material thattransforms dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus. Withreference to FIG. 18, a textile 100 that includes a yarn 101 and a yarn102 is disclosed. Yarn 101 and yarn 102 are formed from a material thatis dimensionally-stable. In contrast with yarn 102, however, yarn 101includes a coating 103 that transforms dimensionally in the presence ofa physical stimulus. FIGS. 18 and 19 depict yarn 101 and coating 103 inan unexposed state (i.e., yarn 101 and coating 103 are not exposed tothe physical stimulus). In the unexposed state yarn 102 and thecombination of yarn 101 and coating 103 have similar diameters. FIG. 20depicts yarn 101 and coating 103 in an exposed state, and the overalldiameter of coating 103 is increased substantially. Accordingly,exposing textile 100 to the physical stimulus induces the combination ofyarn 101 and coating 103 to transform dimensionally.

In some embodiments, the diameter of yarn 101 remains substantiallyconstant whether exposed or unexposed to the physical stimulus, andcoating 103 swells or otherwise transforms dimensionally in the presenceof a physical stimulus. In other embodiments, coating 103 may compressyarn 101 when exposed to the physical stimulus. In any event, however,the overall diameter of the combination of yarn 101 and coating 103increases when exposed to the physical stimulus. Although yarn 101 maybe formed from a material that is dimensionally-stable in the presenceof the physical stimulus, yarn 101 may also be formed from a materialthat transforms dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus.

Coating 103 may be added to yarn 101 prior to forming textile 100. Anadvantage of this procedure is that specific yarns within textile 100include coating 103. In other embodiments, coating 103 may be added totextile 100 following the formation of textile 100. That is, a printingprocess (e.g., a screen-printing process) may be utilized to placecoating 103 over a defined area of textile 100. In contrast with theconfiguration depicted in FIG. 18, the use of a printing process appliescoating 103 to areas of textile 100, rather than individual yarns withintextile 100.

Summary of Textile Structures

Based upon the above discussion, various textiles may be formed fromfibers, filaments, or yarns that transform dimensionally in the presenceof a physical stimulus. The dimensional transformation of the yarnsmodifies the structures of the textiles, thereby inducing a change inthe properties of textiles. Depending upon the material selected for theyarns, water or a change in the temperature of the textiles, forexample, may be utilized as the physical stimulus. When incorporatedinto an article of apparel, the change in the properties of the textileswhen exposed to the physical stimulus may be utilized to insulate theindividual from specific environmental conditions or adapt to changingperspiration levels of the individual, for example. Accordingly, thepresent invention relates to textiles that effectively adapt to enhancethe comfort of the individual wearing the apparel.

II. Exemplar Altered Textile Structures

The above material disclosed a variety of textiles with a structure thatis modified by a physical stimulus in order to change the properties ofthe textile. Various ways in which these or other textile structures maybe altered will now be discussed. For example, materials may be bondedto a textile structure in order to impart stretch resistance, incisionsor partial incisions may be formed in the textile structure, or coatingsmay be applied to block effects of the physical stimulus.

First Altered Textile Structure

Each of the textile structures discussed above are primarily formed fromvarious filaments, fibers, or yarns. Depending upon the specificmaterials that form the filaments, fibers, or yarns, the varioustextiles disclosed above may exhibit substantial stretchcharacteristics. That is, the textiles may deform significantly whenexposed to a tensile force. In order to limit stretch in the textiles,various materials with a greater degree of stretch resistance may bebonded or otherwise secured to the textiles.

With reference to FIG. 21, another article of apparel is disclosed,specifically an article of footwear 10′ having an upper 11′ and a solestructure 12′. In contrast with conventional articles of footwear, upper11′ incorporates a textile 110 having a base layer 111 and a reinforcingstructure 112, as depicted in FIGS. 22 and 23. Base layer 111 may be anyof the various textile structures disclosed above. That is, base layer111 may be any of textiles 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100.Accordingly, base layer 111 has a structure that is modified by aphysical stimulus in order to change the overall properties of textile110.

Reinforcing structure 112 is a polymer sheet, for example, having aplurality of generally square apertures that define the configuration ofa grid with horizontal segments that cross vertical segments. Whereasbase layer 111 may stretch significantly when subjected to a tensileforce, reinforcing structure 112 stretches to a lesser degree whensubjected to the same tensile force. In this configuration, the stretchresistance of reinforcing structure 112 imparts stretch resistance tothe entirety of textile 110. Accordingly, reinforcing structure 112limits the overall degree to which textile 110 may stretch.

Articles of footwear, such as footwear 10′, may be subjected tosignificant forces when used for walking, running, or other ambulatoryactivities. More particularly, the foot may exert significant forcesupon upper 11′ during the athletic activities. These forces may tend tostretch upper 11′ or otherwise place the materials of upper 11′ intension. Although a relatively small degree of stretch in upper 11′ mayenhance the overall comfort of footwear 10′, significant stretch may notbe beneficial. Accordingly, reinforcing structure 112 limits the overalldegree to which textile 110 may stretch, thereby countering the inherentstretch in base layer 111.

As discussed in detail above, each of the various textile structures aremodified by a physical stimulus in order to change the overallproperties of the textile structures. For example, portions of thetextiles may transform dimensionally in the presence of heat or water inorder to form apertures that allow heated air or perspiration to escape.Similarly, portions of the textiles may transform dimensionally in thepresence of heat or water in order to close apertures that restrictheated air or precipitation from entering footwear 10′. The addition ofreinforcing structure 112 to any of the textile structures discussedabove enhances the overall properties of the textile structures and thesuitability of the textile structures for footwear or other athleticequipment applications. In other words, the combination of base layer111 and reinforcing structure 112 provides a textile that is modified bya physical stimulus in order to change the overall properties offootwear 10′, and also provides a textile with a desired degree ofstretch resistance.

Stretch resistance is not the only advantage that may be gained throughthe addition of reinforcing structure 112. For example, reinforcingstructure 112 or similar structures may impart abrasion resistance,thereby enhancing the durability of textile 110. In addition,reinforcing structure 112 may enhance the aesthetic appeal of articlesthat incorporate textile 110. Furthermore, reinforcing structure 112 mayalso provide a durable location for securing or otherwise incorporatingtextile 110 to an article.

Reinforcing structure 112 is discussed above as having a gridconfiguration defining generally square apertures. Reinforcing structure112 may also define trapezoidal or round apertures, as respectivelydepicted in FIGS. 24A and 24B, or any other practical shape. Whenstretch resistance is desired in a particular direction, linear orcurved strips of reinforcing structure 112 may be combined with baselayer 111, as respectively depicted in FIGS. 24C and 24D. In addition,when stretch resistance is desired in only a particular area of atextile, reinforcing structure 112 may be located in only a portion oftextile 110. Accordingly, the particular configuration of reinforcingstructure 112 may vary significantly depending upon the particularapplication or requirements for textile 110.

Reinforcing structure 112 is discussed above as a polymer sheet, but maybe a variety of other materials within the scope of the presentinvention. For example, reinforcing structure 112 may be a differenttextile, a spacer mesh material, leather, synthetic leather, or a filmthat is secured to base layer 111. Reinforcing structure 112 may also bea polymer that impregnates the structure of base layer 111. That is, amolten polymer material may be injected onto base layer 111 so as toform reinforcing structure 112. In some embodiments, reinforcingstructure 112 may be a yarn or filament woven into base layer 111 thatis less stretchable than base layer 111. Accordingly, the specificmaterials that are suitable for reinforcing structure 112 may varysignificantly within the scope of the present invention.

Second Altered Textile Structure

Another manner of altering any of the textile structures disclosed aboverelates to the formation of incisions. FIG. 25 depicts an article ofapparel 10″ that is substantially formed from textile 70, as disclosedabove. A plurality of semi-circular incisions 74 extend through textile74 and, therefore, extend through each of yarns 71 and 72. Withreference to FIG. 26, a portion of textile 70 having incisions 74 isdepicted in an unexposed state, in which yarns 71 and 72 are not exposedto the physical stimulus. With reference to FIG. 27, however, textile 70is depicted in an exposed state, in which yarns 71 and 72 are exposed tothe physical stimulus. In the unexposed state, textile 70 liesrelatively flat and a flap that is formed by incisions 74 is in a closedconfiguration. In the exposed state, however, the flaps that are formedby incisions 74 curl upward and form apertures in textile 70, therebymodifying the structure and properties of textile 70.

The alteration in the structure of textile 70 (i.e., the formation ofincisions 74) changes the properties of textile 70. In the unexposedstate, textile 70 lies flat and incisions 74 do not form apertures. Inthe exposed state, however, the flaps formed by incisions 74 curl upwardto form apertures in textile 70, which permit increased air flow betweenthe exterior and interior of apparel 10″. Exposing textile 70 to aphysical stimulus not only increases the texture of textile 70, asdiscussed above, but also increases the air flow properties of textile70.

Textile 70 is structured such that yarn 71 is concentrated on onesurface and yarn 72 is concentrated on an opposite surface. When exposedto the physical stimulus, such as water or a change in temperature, forexample, yarn 71 transforms dimensionally and increases in size. Theincrease in the size of textile 70 due to an increase in the size ofyarn 71 is constrained by the relative dimensional-stability of yarn 72.Accordingly, the swelling of yarn 71 causes the flaps formed byincisions 74 to curl upward and toward the surface where yarn 72 isconcentrated. Textile 70 is not the only textile structure that willreact in this fashion when exposed to a physical stimulus. Each oftextiles 80 and 90 may also exhibit similar properties due to theconcentration of materials that transform dimensionally on one surface,and the concentration of dimensionally-stable materials on an oppositesurface.

Although incisions 74 may exhibit the semi-circular shape discussedabove, a variety of other shapes may also be suitable for incisions 74.For example, incisions 74 may have a more circular shape or an angularshape, as respectively depicted in FIGS. 28A and 28B. Incisions 74 mayalso exhibit a v-shaped or s-shaped configuration, as respectivelydepicted in FIGS. 24A and 24D. In some embodiments, incisions 74 maydepart from the non-linear shapes discussed above and be linear, asdepicted in FIG. 28E.

Various techniques, including a die cutting or laser cutting operation,may be utilized to form incisions 74. In some circumstances, incisions74 may be formed through the knitting process of textile 70. That is,yarns 71 and 72 may be mechanically-manipulated in a manner that formsincisions 74.

Third Altered Textile Structure

Each of textiles 70, 80, and 90 exhibit a configuration wherein thematerial that transforms dimensionally when exposed to a physicalstimulus is concentrated on one surface of the textile structures.Incisions that are similar to incisions 74 may be formed in any of thetextile structures disclosed above. When cut to form incisions 74,textile 70 remains in a flat configuration until exposed to a physicalstimulus. Some textile structures, however, may curl when cut and notexposed to a physical stimulus.

With reference to FIG. 29 a textile 120 in an unexposed state isdepicted. Textile 120 includes a plurality of incisions 124. The mannerin which textile 120 is mechanically-manipulated from various yarns, andthe materials forming the yarns, are selected to cause the edges ofincisions 124 to curl when cut and unexposed to a physical stimulus.When exposed to a physical stimulus, however, the edges uncurl due tothe dimensional transformation of yarns, as depicted in FIG. 30. Thatis, apertures that are formed by incisions 124 close when exposed to aphysical stimulus.

When incorporated into apparel, for example, textile 120 may be utilizedto shield an individual from precipitation. When water is not present,incisions 124 form apertures in the apparel that facilitate air flowbetween the interior and exterior of the apparel. In the presence ofprecipitation, however, the apertures formed by incisions 124 close tolimit the degree to which the precipitation may enter the apparel.Accordingly, the apparel may adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Fourth Altered Textile Structure

Incisions 74 and 124 respectively extend entirely through textiles 70and 120. In some circumstances, however, incisions that extend onlypartially through a textile structure may be beneficial. FIG. 31 depictsa textile 130 that includes a plurality of partial incisions 134 thatextend only partially through textile 130. With reference to FIG. 32A,textile 130 is depicted schematically as including a layer 131 andanother layer 132, with partial incisions 134 extending through layer131. Layer 131 and layer 132 schematically-represent the generalconfigurations of textiles 70, 80, and 90, wherein materials thattransform dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus areconcentrated adjacent one surface, and materials that aredimensionally-stable are concentrated adjacent an opposite surface.

Partial incisions 134 extend entirely through layer 131 in FIG. 32A, andlayer 131 is, therefore, absent from this area. Layer 131 mayincorporate, for example, a majority of the materials that transformdimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus. Forming partialincisions 134 effectively deactivates these materials. Accordingly, theformation of partial incisions 134 is a manner of preventing or limitinga change in the properties of specific areas of textile 130 due to thepresence of a physical stimulus. Although partial incisions 134 aredepicted as having a linear structure, partial incisions 134 may coveran area of textile 130.

Although partial incisions 134 may represent areas where layer 131 isabsent, partial incisions 134 may also form areas where layer 131 ismelted or only partially absent. With reference to FIGS. 32B and 32C,partial incisions 134 form depressions in layer 131. One manner offorming the depressions is to melt the material of layer 131, therebyconcentrating this material in a lower area of layer 131. In effect,therefore, partial incisions 134 may represent melted areas of layer131. Although the material that is melted and within partial incisions134 may be the same material that transforms dimensionally in thepresence of a physical stimulus, the greater concentration of thematerial in partial incisions 134 may limit the change in the propertiesof textile 130 when exposed to the physical stimulus. That is, meltingportions of layer 131 may effectively deactivate the material thattransforms dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus.Suitable methods of forming partial incisions 134 include laser cuttingor heated dies, for example.

Although partial incisions 134 may extend into the material thattransforms dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus, partialincisions 134 may also extend into a dimensionally-stable material. Thatis, partial incisions 134 may extend through layer 132 rather than layer131. In some embodiments, partial incisions may extend partially througha material that includes a single layer, as in textiles 20, 30, and 40,for example.

The melting of the material forming either of layers 131 or 132 in orderto form partial incisions 134 may also be used to form a structure thatis similar to reinforcing structure 112. As discussed above, reinforcingstructure 112 may impart stretch resistance or abrasion resistance to atextile. By melting portions of layers 131 or 132, the materials forminglayers 131 and 132 effectively concentrate and may also impart stretchresistance or abrasion resistance to textile 130. Accordingly, theformation of partial incisions 134 is another manner of formingreinforcing structure 112.

Fifth Altered Textile Structure

The formation of partial incisions in a textile is one manner ofblocking or deactivating the dimensional transformation of the textilein the presence of a physical stimulus. Coatings on the fibers,filaments, or yarns may also be utilized to block a physical stimulusfrom inducing dimensional transformation of the material. With referenceto FIG. 33, a textile 140 that includes a yarn 141 and a yarn 142 isdisclosed. Yarn 141 and yarn 142 are formed from a material thattransforms dimensionally in the presence of a physical stimulus. Incontrast with yarn 141, however, yarn 142 includes a coating 143 thatblocks the physical stimulus from yarn 142. FIG. 34 depicts yarns 141and 142 in an unexposed state, and yarns 141 and 142 have similardiameters. FIG. 35 depicts yarns 141 and 142 in the exposed state, andthe overall diameter of yarn 141 is significantly greater than thediameter of yarn 142. Accordingly, exposing textile 140 to the physicalstimulus induces yarn 141 to transform dimensionally, but coating 143prevents or otherwise limits the dimensional transformation of yarn 142.

A variety of materials may be suitable for coating 143. If, for example,the material forming yarns 141 and 142 transform dimensionally in thepresence of water, any waterproof coating may be utilized. If thephysical stimulus is light or heat, opaque or insulative coatings may beutilized. Coating 143 may be added to yarn 142 prior to forming textile140. An advantage of this procedure is that specific yarns withintextile 140 include coating 143. In other embodiments, coating 143 maybe added to textile 140 following the formation of textile 140. That is,a printing process (e.g., a screen-printing process) may be utilized toplace coating 143 over a defined area of textile 140. In contrast withthe configuration depicted in FIG. 33, the use of a printing processapplies coating 143 to areas of textile 140, rather than individualyarns within textile 140.

Summary of Altered Textile Structures

Reinforcing structures, incisions, partial incisions, and coatings maybe utilized to alter and enhance any of the textile structures disclosedabove. Various combination of the reinforcing structures, incisions,partial incisions, and coatings may also be utilized to alter andenhance any of the textile structures disclosed above. For example,incisions or partial incisions may be formed in the apertures defined bya reinforcing structure. In addition, coatings may be utilized to affectthe reaction of the areas having incisions.

The present invention is disclosed above and in the accompanyingdrawings with reference to a variety of embodiments. The purpose servedby the disclosure, however, is to provide an example of the variousfeatures and concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scopeof the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize thatnumerous variations and modifications may be made to the embodimentsdescribed above without departing from the scope of the presentinvention, as defined by the appended claims.

1-58. (canceled)
 59. A textile comprising: a first material thatexhibits a dimensional transformation upon exposure to a physicalstimulus, the first material being concentrated at a first surface ofthe textile; a second material that is concentrated at a second surfaceof the textile, the second surface being opposite the first surface; andan incision in the textile that extends at least partially through thefirst material.
 60. The textile recited in claim 59, wherein thephysical stimulus is water.
 61. The textile recited in claim 60, whereinthe first material is at least one of a filament and a fiber thatabsorbs the water.
 62. The textile recited in claim 60, wherein thefirst material is a yarn, that absorbs the water.
 63. The textilerecited in claim 59, wherein the physical stimulus is a change in atemperature of the textile.
 64. The textile recited in claim 59, whereinat least a portion of the incisions are non-linear.
 65. The textilerecited in claim 59, wherein the incisions are formed through a lasercutting process.
 66. The textile recited in claim 59, wherein theincisions are formed through a knitting process.
 67. The textile recitedin claim 59, wherein the textile is a non-woven textile that includes aplurality of filaments of the first material and the second material.68. The textile recited in claim 59, wherein the textile is a non-wovenmaterial having a first layer formed from the first material and asecond layer formed from the second material, the first layer beingadjacent the first surface, and the second layer being adjacent thesecond surface.
 69. The textile recited in claim 59, wherein the textileis incorporated into an article of apparel.
 70. A textile comprising: afirst material that exhibits a dimensional transformation upon exposureto a physical stimulus, the first material being concentrated at a firstsurface of the textile; a second material that is concentrated at asecond surface of the textile, the second surface being opposite thefirst surface; and an incision extending through the textile and fromthe first surface to the second surface.
 71. The textile recited inclaim 70, wherein the physical stimulus is water.
 72. The textilerecited in claim 71, wherein the first material is at least one of afilament and a fiber that absorbs the water.
 73. The textile recited inclaim 71, wherein the first material is a yarn that absorbs the water.74. The textile recited in claim 70, wherein the physical stimulus is achange in a temperature of the textile.
 75. The textile recited in claim70, wherein the second material constrains the change of the property ina direction that is substantially parallel to a plane of the textile.76. The textile recited in claim 70, wherein at least a portion of theincisions are non-linear.
 77. The textile recited in claim 70, whereinthe incisions are formed through one of a laser cutting process and aknitting process.
 78. The textile recited in claim 70, wherein thetextile is a non-woven textile that includes a plurality of filaments ofthe first material and the second material.
 79. The textile recited inclaim 70, wherein the textile is a non-woven material having a firstlayer formed from the first material and a second layer formed from thesecond material, the first layer being adjacent the first surface, andthe second layer being adjacent the second surface.
 80. The textilerecited in claim 70, wherein the textile is incorporated into an articleof apparel.
 81. A textile comprising: a first material that exhibits afirst degree of dimensional transformation upon exposure to water, thefirst material having a first set of dimensions when unexposed to thewater, and the first material having a second set of dimensions whenexposed to the water, the first material being concentrated at a firstsurface of the textile; a second material that exhibits a second degreeof dimensional transformation upon exposure to water, the second degreeof dimensional transformation being less than the first degree ofdimensional transformation, the second material being concentrated at asecond surface of the textile; and a plurality of incisions extendingthrough the textile and from the first surface to the second surface,wherein portions of the textile adjacent to the incisions form aperturesin the textile upon exposure to the water.
 82. The textile recited inclaim 81, wherein the first material is at least one of a filament and afiber that absorbs the water.
 83. The textile recited in claim 81,wherein the first material is a yarn that absorbs the water.
 84. Thetextile recited in claim 81, wherein at least a portion of the incisionsare non-linear.
 85. The textile recited in claim 81, wherein theincisions are formed through one of a laser cutting process and aknitting process.
 86. The textile recited in claim 81, wherein thesecond material is a coating that extends around at least a portion ofthe first material and limits exposure of the first material to thephysical stimulus.
 87. The textile recited in claim 81, wherein thetextile is a non-woven textile that includes a plurality of filaments ofthe first material and the second material.
 88. The textile recited inclaim 81, wherein the textile is a non-woven material having a firstlayer formed from the first material and a second layer formed from thesecond material, the first layer being adjacent the first surface, andthe second layer being adjacent the second surface.
 89. The textilerecited in claim 81, wherein the textile is incorporated into an articleof apparel.
 90. A textile comprising: a first yarn formed from a waterabsorbing material that exhibits swelling upon exposure to water; asecond yarn mechanically-manipulated with the first yarn such that thefirst yarn is concentrated at a first surface of the textile and thesecond yarn is concentrated at a second surface of the textile, thefirst surface being opposite the second surface, the second yarn beingsubstantially dimensionally-stable upon exposure to the water; and aplurality of non-linear incisions extending through the textile and fromthe first surface to the second surface, wherein the swelling of thefirst yarn upon exposure to the water induces portions of the textileadjacent to the incisions to exhibit a curved structure and formapertures in the textile.
 91. The textile recited in claim 90, whereinthe textile is incorporated into an article of apparel.
 92. A textilecomprising: a material at least partially formed from yarn that exhibitsa dimensional transformation upon exposure to a physical stimulus; and aplurality of incisions extending through the textile, each of theincisions defining a pair of adjacent edges, the edges having a curvedstructure that forms apertures in the textile when unexposed to thephysical stimulus, and the edges having a substantially planar structurethat reduces sizes of the apertures in the textile when exposed to thephysical stimulus.
 93. The textile recited in claim 92, wherein thephysical stimulus is one of water and a change in a temperature of thetextile.
 94. The textile recited in claim 92, wherein at least a portionof the incisions are non-linear.
 95. The textile recited in claim 92,wherein the incisions are formed through one of a laser cutting processand a knitting process.
 96. The textile recited in claim 92, wherein thetextile is incorporated into an article of apparel. 97-142. (canceled)